Every state has laws that restrict drunk driving and impose penalties after conviction. However, many drivers still drive under the influence despite these laws, probably because they do not understand the consequences of a DUI conviction. Although most states consider drunk driving for first offenders as a misdemeanor, a court of law may impose severe penalties and restrictions on those convicted more than once. Therefore, drivers who drive under the influence may be lucky to get away with it, but they will likely face the consequences someday. However, they should understand what the law in their state says about drunk driving and how they can defend their rights when arrested and charged with DUI. This article will highlight the consequences of DUI convictions.
License Suspension
Every driver should have a valid driving license to operate a vehicle. If a person is convicted of DUI, the court may revoke or suspend the license for some time as a penalty for their actions. This means that even if the person cannot drive a car and has to rely on family or taxi to move around. The penalty might not seem severe but could lead to dependence because the convicted person may not work or run errands as they are used to. The first offenders are usually subjected to a 90-day suspension of their license or restricted use of the license to drive to work, rehab, and school. Therefore, when charged with DUI, it is important to hire a DUI attorney to minimize the chances and consequences of conviction. The attorney understands the laws and defenses they can use to improve the case outcomes.
Jail Time
Nobody wants to spend even a day in jail, but DUI charges and convictions could lead to jail terms. The jail term might not be long, especially for first-time convicts, but it could lead to job loss and a negative image in the community. In many states, the jail term could vary from a few days to months. Aggravating factors such as high blood alcohol concentration in the blood and causing an accident could increase prison time. Therefore, anybody facing DUI charges should get a lawyer to protect their rights and interests. If the driver charged caused an accident that killed or injured somebody due to drunk driving, the court may sentence the person to a longer jail time.
Fines and Additional Costs
Courts in many states are lenient on first-time offenses, but convictions can lead to fines of $500 to $2,000, depending on the state where the person convicted committed the offense. Like other lawsuits, DUI can be expensive. The person charged, for instance, has to bear the legal costs and sometimes lose income if they cannot report to work after a DUI arrest. Besides, the court may instruct the convicted person to install an ignition interlock device that prevents the car from starting if the driver’s blood alcohol content is high. The device is installed on the dashboard, and the convicted person covers the relevant costs. Other consequences include high insurance premiums because insurers consider a person convicted of DUI a high-risk client.
These are the possible consequences of being convicted of DUI. Therefore, anybody arrested and charged with DUI should hire an attorney for legal representation. This will reduce the risk of conviction and facing any of these consequences.